The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recently announced that it would reduce the number of moose permits to 3,095, down from a previously projected 4,085.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ Mainers hoping to enter the lottery for moose hunting permit had better do it soon.

The state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is accepting online applications until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday.

Winners will be announced June 14.

The department recently announced that it would reduce the number of permits to 3,095, down from a previously projected 4,085, because of the impact of winter ticks. The department also changed the mix by reducing the number of permits for antlerless moose.

Last season, Maine's moose hunters set a record for the second consecutive year with 2,971 moose taken out of 4,110 hunting permits.

Maine's moose hunt is segmented into four different seasons, with the first beginning Sept. 22, and the final season ending Nov. 29.